MIT MFin MIT MFin Admission Discussion

[Andy Zhang]

Columbia's Financial Econ, Stanfords ICME, and Princeton's MFIN all usually have a couple students pursuing PhDs post graduation (if not directly transitioning to one at the same school), just don't know anything about MIT

Just to add to that, so does both Columbia's Financial Engineering and Operations Research programs. I know (not directly though) that one guy, not in my year but an earlier year, graduated from the financial engineering program and did his PhD in Princeton's ORFE program. In my year, two women, both graduates of the operations research program, are doing their PhDs: one in MCF at Oxford and another in ORFE at Princeton.

From what I've seen, in general, I think as long as you came from a reputable MFE program (from a reputable school--generally top US school) that allows you flexibility to take more research-oriented courses, have research experience (publications are obviously the best, as they show that you can actually produce quality research), and can show you can tackle PhD level core courses (on par with those from whichever top PhD programs you'll interested in ofc) or have a strong quantitative background, then you're fine. I know Columbia Business School PhDs must take some of the same core PhD courses as Columbia IEOR PhDs, but not sure about the exact requirements.

I am curious whether MIT MFin students apply for MIT ORC's PhD program (some faculty there have joint appointments with Sloan, e.g., prof. Andrew Lo). I really like that program and their students land excellent industry/academic jobs. I know quite a few professors in Columbia IEOR who graduated from there.

 

[Muflio]

is it one batch interview? meaning if someone didn't get any till now they're probability rejected?

 

[quantnoob]

Did anyone from India receive an invitation?

Yeah. I got an invite

 

[nickiii]

Guys, is quantitative assessment proctored?

 

[Qui-Gon]

Guys, is quantitative assessment proctored?

hahahaha you've got to be kidding me

 

[hihi]

Yeah. I got an invite

on 28th? Jan

 

[maxpayne]

Guys, is quantitative assessment proctored?

Yes, it says so in the email.

 

[quantnoob]

on 28th? Jan

Yup, 29th morning IST

 

[helloquantworld]

is it one batch interview? meaning if someone didn't get any till now they're probability rejected?

Turns out, it isn't one batch. I just received mine. Check your inbox!

 

[wardedvariante]

Anyone from Europe received an invitation yet?

 

[jlbnova]

Has anyone taken the quantitative assessment yet and can offer some insights on it?

 

[jackinthebox]

I spoke with an admissions officer, and he said that the quantitative assessment doesn't actually interfere with the admission decision. Not sure what to make of that.

 

[basedpeanut]

I spoke with an admissions officer, and he said that the quantitative assessment doesn't actually interfere with the admission decision. Not sure what to make of that.

I have heard from Q&As and previous webinars that it depends on your background. Both the quantitative and the coding assessment are data points relevant to your application if you have experience in those topics. Someone with a coding background is supposed to do well in the coding assessment, otherwise, something might not seem right.

 

[dontworry]

Anyone from Europe received an invitation yet?

Yes, received it on 28th Jan

 

[KingTut]

over worried (irrationally) about the quant assessment.

Would you think it's comparable to the sample test they have on the program's website?

 

[jackinthebox]

over worried (irrationally) about the quant assessment.

Would you think it's comparable to the sample test they have on the program's website?

I personally wouldn't consider the sample test to be "elementary calculus", but maybe my definition of elementary calculus is wrong.

 

[KingTut]

I personally wouldn't consider the sample test to be "elementary calculus", but maybe my definition of elementary calculus is wrong.

I agree with you. It's just a little hard to believe an MIT assessment would be pretty basic. But it seems like it -- hopefully

 

[jackinthebox]

I agree with you. It's just a little hard to believe an MIT assessment would be pretty basic. But it seems like it -- hopefully

Yeah, I hope so too. I will say though it doesn't seem fair that some people are taking the assessment today, while others have 2-3 more weeks to prepare. Therefore, maybe the questions on the later tests will be harder, but that's just a guess.

 

[KingTut]

Yeah, I hope so too. I will say though it doesn't seem fair that some people are taking the assessment today, while others have 2-3 more weeks to prepare. Therefore, maybe the questions on the later tests will be harder, but that's just a guess.

I wouldn't think so. Because we all had the choice, but you could argue we didn't receive the emails at the same time. However, still if you think about it, it could be just fair: I have been in industry for a couple of years now. Haven't touched calculus at all during that time. While someone else might be still an undergrad who has all of it fresh on their minds.

I am more inclined now, having checked posts from past years, to say it's not the beast we think it could be.

 

[Hamza Ali]

I got rejected straight out with a well prepared application and a very high GPA in computer science undergraduate along with work experience in credit risk. I wasn’t even invited for an interview.